The Edmonton Oilers shocked the hockey world last summer when they made a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning to acquire NCAA star Isaac Howard. The trade saw them swap the disgruntled Hobey Baker winner for the Oilers previous first round pick, Sam O'Reilly.
Although Howard struggled at the NHL level this past season, he was able to put together a strong showing at the American Hockey League level with the Bakersfield Condors, scoring 24 goals and 26 assists for 50 points in 47 games.
The Oilers will need to give him an opportunity if he is to try and grow his game and according to Oilers insider Jason Gregor, he may just get it.
Howard could be given a better opportunity
Host of the Jason Gregor show on Sports 1440, Gregor was speaking about the upcoming season for the Oilers top prospect, Howard, and had some hopeful optimism.
"He just had a really good year in the AHL after a really good year in college." Gregor said. He added "He will have the whole summer knowing the areas of his game that he needs to work on and improve. So, I don't have high expectations points-wise but I think he'll play 70 games."
Although Howard will have to put in the work, the 22 year old has shown he can be a productive player at every level of competition. He also has a great opportunity with the Oilers' moves behind the bench, firing former head coach Kris Knoblauch namely.
New bench boss could provide clean slate
Newly hired head coach Mike Babcock could provide a great opportunity for young players like Howard or Quinn Hutson to make the team. He could also breathe new life into the career of some struggling players such as Trent Frederic.
Knoblauch had a poor reputation with young players and at times, it looked like Howard and fellow rookie Matt Savoie could suffer similar fates to other young players like; Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg.
If Babcock is to be successful. he too will need to find a way to get the most out of the Oilers depth players. Despite some past controversies, Babcock has the potential to turn a new leaf and the pedigree to find great success behind the bench. At the very least, he has a long history with great young players, especially with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
For the players sake and for the Oilers, they want to get the absolute most out of their young former NCAA MVP forward.
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